It was an Irish spin-off of the global Live Aid concert held the previous year, whose main instigator was Irishman, Bob Geldof and whose band, The Boomtown Rats, gave their 'farewell' performance at the concert. In those days, when bands split up, it was intended to be for good - no one foresaw the inevitable reunions that would become commonplace as the years wore on!
A lot has changed in the 30 years that have elapsed: people and events have come and gone but high levels of unemployment remains a constant. The unemployed, much like the poor, will always be with us, or so it would seem. Back in 1986 however, people still believed that something could be done about it!
Dozens of artists, including the cream of Irish music at the time, along with some 'honorary Irishmen' (Elvis Costello, Chris Rea), took to the stage of the RDS to give a gala 14-hour performance. Just to look at the line-up reminds us all of what a staggering array of talent has emanated from these shores over the years and decades. Bands and musicians who had already struck out internationally (in no particular order - U2, The Boomtown Rats, Paul Brady, Chris de Burgh, Van Morrison, Rory Gallagher, The Chieftains, The Pogues, Christy Moore, Gary Moore, Stockton's Wing) lined up alongside new, emerging Irish talent who seemed to have the world at their feet. Hands up who remembers Cactus World News, In Tua Nua, Blue in Heaven, Those Nervous Animals?
Maybe not all of the acts that performed on the day went on to fulfil their potential and some are no longer with us. Nevertheless, thanks to television and YouTube, the event itself has been recorded for posterity.
